The LDS Mission Podcast

Episode 239 – Six Super Skills is all about the mindset and emotional tools that help missionaries (and humans) keep going when things feel hard. This episode was inspired by a powerful coaching session and a simple question: What skills do superheroes use that actually help them win in the end? Whether you're preparing to serve, currently serving, recently returned, or a missionary mom supporting...

Hey there! Today, Episode 238 – Fear + Christ = Change is a deeply meaningful conversation I had with my friend Erin Ropelato from the Seek This Jesus Summit, and it's been sitting with my heart for a while. In this episode, we explore a simple but powerful truth I've been teaching missionaries, missionary moms, and leaders for years: fear plus fear only creates more fear, but fear plus Christ cre...

Episode 237 – I'm Not Good at Change is a compassionate, empowering conversation about what's actually happening in your brain when change feels overwhelming—especially on the mission, after the mission, or in any major life transition. In this episode, I break down why "I'm bad at change" isn't a personality flaw or spiritual weakness, but a normal human brain response rooted in survival, predict...

In episode 236 – Cultivating Commitment , I'm talking all about what commitment really is, why it matters, and how it shows up in your mission and post-mission life. We'll look at the difference between feeling like life is just "happening to you" versus owning your choices with emotional maturity and agency. I share stories about my own commitment to this podcast, why December 26th is secretly my...

In Episode 235, Love's Pure Light , I'm sharing the Christmas message that has been resting on my heart this year—one centered on light, love, Jesus Christ, hope, burdens made light, and the unique divine light within you . As I've rehearsed with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras this season, one lyric from Silent Night has stayed with me: "Son of God, love's pure light." This episode explores what...

In Episode 234: Expectation Roadblocks , I'm diving into one of the biggest hidden barriers to connection—especially during the holidays, on the mission, and in our closest relationships: expectations . This time of year brings an avalanche of pressure—how we "should" show up, how others "should" behave, how family gatherings "should" feel. But in this episode, I unpack why expectations—spoken or...

In Episode 233 – Not So Happy Mission Memories , I'm diving into a topic I know so many missionaries and returned missionaries quietly carry: the moments from the mission that didn't feel joyful, spiritual, or "life-changing" in the way we were told they would. In this episode, I talk openly about disappointment, unmet expectations, mission culture, emotional complexity, grief, and the real challe...

Episode 232 — "Intentions and Attitudes." In this episode, I dig into why an attitude of gratitude actually works on your brain and your day-to-day experience. We talk about the lower "caveman brain" (seek pleasure, avoid pain, conserve energy), confirmation bias (what you focus on grows), and how setting intentions ahead of time can shape the attitudes you'll have later—in district meetings, at f...

In Episode #231: About Wasting Time, I dive into one of the most common thoughts I hear from missionaries, returned missionaries, and even missionary moms — the fear that we're somehow "wasting time." Whether it's not being productive enough, not using P-day perfectly, or feeling like we should always be doing more, this mindset creates unnecessary stress, guilt, and disconnection from what really...

In this episode, #230 - There's No Place Like Home, I dive into one of my favorite stories of all time — The Wizard of Oz — and explore the lessons it holds for missionaries, returned missionaries, and anyone navigating the twists and turns of personal growth. Drawing on the symbolism of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, and even Elphaba from Wicked , we'll talk about what it really m...

In this new episode, 229. When Friendships Change , I'm diving into something we all experience but rarely talk about — the evolving nature of friendships. Whether you're serving a mission, have recently returned home, or are navigating changes in your ward or family relationships, this episode will help you understand why friendships shift and how to move through those transitions with compassion...

Hey friends! Happy Halloween and welcome to Episode #228 — Am I Losing My Identity? Today we're diving into a topic that so many missionaries and returned missionaries struggle with, but rarely talk about out loud: identity . Whether you're seven months into the mission field, navigating the stress of keeping up with goals and routines, or you've just come home and feel like you're not sure who yo...

In episode #227, "Hitting a Language or Growth Plateau," I dive into what it really means to feel "stuck" — whether you're learning a new language on your mission or working toward any kind of growth goal. We'll talk about how powerful your thoughts are, how labeling yourself as "stuck" can actually keep you there, and how to shift your mindset to get unstuck with more compassion and intention. I'...

In this new episode, #226 - Training a New Missionary, I'm sharing some heartfelt thoughts inspired by a question I once received from a missionary:  "I'm training a new missionary, and I'm worried my bad habits will ruin him." If you've ever felt pressure to be the perfect example—whether as a trainer, a leader, a parent, or even a friend—this episode is for you. We'll talk about what your real j...

Hey missionary family! This podcast episode is #225 - Applying the Rule of Thirds. In this episode, I'm sharing something new I've been thinking about called the Rule of Thirds—and how it applies to missionary life, post-mission life, and really, all of our human experience. You've heard me talk before about the 50/50 rule—how life and missions are made up of both joy and struggle—but this time, I...

In this new episode #224 – Why Resentment Builds , I'm diving into one of those sneaky emotions that can quietly shape your mission and your life: resentment. We've all felt it—whether it's with a companion, a roommate, a family member, or even in marriage. Resentment often builds when we expect someone else to meet our needs instead of learning how to meet them ourselves. I'll share stories from...

Welcome to the LDS Mission Podcast! This week on the podcast, Episode 223 - How To Say Goodbye, we are talking about how, goodbyes are never easy—and yet, they're part of every stage of missionary life. In this episode, I'm diving deep into how to say goodbye with intention, compassion, and strength. Whether you're a preparing missionary leaving your family, a currently serving missionary facing t...

In this week's episode of the LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 222: Trading Out the Tough Stuff , I'm sharing a concept that has been on my mind as I've worked with missionaries, returned missionaries, and missionary moms. Life on the mission—and after—can feel really tough. Whether it's stress, overwhelm, loneliness, or self-doubt, it's easy for our brains to shut down and say, "this is just too hard...

In this episode of the LDS Mission Podcast, I'm diving into Ep. 221. The Feelings Formula —a simple but powerful way to process emotions that missionaries, returned missionaries, and missionary moms can use every single day. Too often we think feelings like anxiety, stress, homesickness, or discouragement mean something has gone wrong. The truth? Feelings are part of being human, and learning how...

In this week's episode,  #220 - A Day in the Life , I'm getting real with you. Instead of a polished outline or a carefully planned topic, I wanted to give you an honest window into my day—the ups, the lows, the emotions I've been feeling, and the lessons I've been learning in real time. My hope is that by sharing my own experience, you'll see pieces of your own life and mission journey reflected...

This week on the podcast, I'm diving into a topic that's been on my mind a lot lately— competition vs. cooperation . We live in a world (and even within mission culture) where competition often takes center stage—ranking, comparing, pushing to be "the best." But what happens when we shift our focus to cooperation instead? What if the real strength and success come from uniting, including, and buil...

Welcome to The LDS Mission Podcast, Episode 218 - Made For This! Do you ever feel like you're not cut out for the life you're living—whether that's preparing for a mission, serving right now, or figuring things out as a returned missionary? If so, you're not alone. Doubt is part of the human experience, but that doesn't mean it's the truth. In this episode, I share why you  are made for this—exact...

Welcome to episode 217 - Highs and Lows, in this episode we will talk about how life is full of ups and downs—and I'm learning more and more that both are not only inevitable, but necessary . In this episode, I share how I've been thinking about highs and lows lately, and why the "low tide" moments in our lives are not something to rush through or judge, but to actually honor and work with. I'll t...

In this episode, 216. Being Who You Want to Be , I'm diving into one of the most powerful tools I've used with missionaries, mission leaders, parents, and RMs over the past six years—learning to take aligned action. What does that mean? It means checking in with your thoughts and feelings before making decisions or having hard conversations, and making sure they reflect the kind of person you actu...

In this week's episode, 215 - Tips for Worry and Overwhelm , I'm sharing one of my favorite mindset tools to help missionaries—and all of us—navigate those heavy moments when the future feels too big or uncertain. Whether you're preparing to leave, currently serving, home from your mission, or parenting a missionary, this episode is for you. We're talking about how to "zoom in" and "zoom out"—and...